A tough but promising start to the season

Saturday afternoon saw us play our first game of the season against West Adelaide at Hisense Stadium. With four debutantes Serena Waters, Rani Grant, Matilda Wilmore and Andi Moliere don the black and gold for the first time, and Caitlyn Swanson play her 50^th SANFLW game, the team were eager to hit nice and early.

We started the game really well winning the first clearance of the game, both teams came out full of fire and aggression with a strong attack on both ball and player. Momentum then swung Westies way leading to them scoring the first goal of the game and had us under scoreboard pressure. Co-captain Sam Franson when down early in the quarter with a lower leg injury, but not distracted, the Tigers stuck to the task and showed some really good signs as we went into the first break just 9 points down.

In the second, we were able to get the game on our terms and play more of the game in our half. Our midfield lifted in particular Kellock, Freeman, and Window and we were able to give our forwards some really good opportunities with 50 gamer Caitlyn Swanson looking  dangerous up front. Unfortunately, we couldn’t capitalize on these opportunities and still trailed West at the main break by 7 points.

The third quarter was a real arm wrestle with both teams looking to take control at certain times, but it was the bloods who were able to execute in front of goal when it mattered. We went into the last quarter with some work to be done but still right in the contest down by 15 points.

Last quarter we came out firing, great ball movement saw Swanson take a great mark and kick straight for our first and only goal for the game. When Caitlyn Swanson kicked a nice goal halfway through the last quarter, getting above the Bloods looked promising, trailing by just 8 points. West’s Lauren Young kicked a goal late in the game to take the margin to 14.

Although we didn’t get the result,our girls walk away full of confidence and belief in their abilities and know that at their best they can beat anyone.

– Richard Douglas, GFCW Football Operations & Braedon Talbot, Assistant Coach

Final Score: West Adelaide 3.5.23 def Glenelg 1.3.9

Goal kickers: C. Swanson

Best: P. Window, M. Freeman, S. Waters, E. Kellock, V, Patterson

The Development side showed some positives signs, playing great football over four quarters.

We went into half time leading by 2 points, after some brilliance from Lucy Armitage and Jess Hill. While being up mid of way the last quarter, we unfortunately couldn’t hold onto the lead going down by 3 points.

Final Score: West Adelaide 5.5.35 def Glenelg 4.8.32

Goal kickers: L. Armitage, M. Walker, J. Hill (2)

Best: L. Armitage, A. Baker, A. Harris, J. Horne, M. Hinge